Letter carriers to stamp out hunger amid ‘staggering’ need

WASHINGTON – Postal workers roll out an annual tradition this weekend aimed at stamping out hunger.

The National Association of Letter Carriers begins its 20th annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, harnessing the reach of letter carriers to collect non-perishable food, including pet food, to combat what the association president considers “staggering” needs in 2012.

Last year, program participants gathered 70.2 million pounds of food.

“Sixteen percent of all Americans are at risk of hunger-uncertain where their next meal may be coming from. That includes 1 in 5 children under the age of 18, plus 4 million seniors who are forced every day to choose between paying a utility bill and buying food,” says President Frederic Rolando, according to an organization release.

The drive is the largest one-day food collection event in the nation, and Rolando says it has been successful every year.

“With help from our brothers and sisters in the rural craft, alongside other postal employees and volunteers, letter carriers will do what we can again this year to help all Americans,” he says.

Learn more about participating in the event at the organization’s website.